January 8, 2025 - In just four years, 19 exceptional students have been awarded $43,500 in scholarships through the partnership of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club and City Utilities. The alliance targets the critical job needs of talent shortages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“We want to be a community where young professionals want to be for a career and become contributing members of our city,” said Mayor Tucker. “It’s critical that we retain and attract talented individuals with the skill sets that meet what employers are looking for in employees. The partnership between City Utilities and the Anthony Wayne Rotary positions us for current and future success in being able to fill in the gaps to help Fort Wayne grow as an economic development and quality of life leader.”
The scholarship program, designed to keep skilled STEM students in the region, awarded $13,500 today to four outstanding individuals:
- Sofia Vazquez, a Public Health major at the University of Michigan, received the $5,000 Mayor Tom Henry Scholarship, honoring the late mayor's legacy of community leadership.
- Samantha Miller, who studies biological sciences and mechanical engineering at Purdue University Fort Wayne, received the $5,000 Bob Clifford Scholarship – requires the recipient to also be a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- Alexander Kohart, majoring in Biology with a concentration in microbiology at Ball State University, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
- Joel Schuhler, a student at Indiana Tech University studying Electrical Engineering, received a $1,000 scholarship.
"Investing in STEM education is investing in the success and sustainability of our community," said Anthony Wayne Rotary Club President Denis Benetti. "We are proud to support the ambitions of these students, whose talents will lead to innovation and a brighter future for all."
The generous donations of more than 60 local businesses and individuals make the scholarships possible. A portion of the funds go to students in skilled trades and will be awarded later this year through the Questa Education Foundation.
"City Utilities has had a strong internship program for over two decades," said Director of City Utilities Kumar Menon. "It introduces the next generation of leaders to the Utility's work of protecting public health, public safety, and the environment, along with promoting economic development."
In 2024, City Utilities hired 25 STEM interns, building on its 20-year legacy of mentoring over 250 students. The intern and scholarship program helps cultivate a capable local workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Many interns have taken jobs with the Utility after graduating, including five of those who have received scholarships.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM occupations will grow 10.8% through 2032, far outpacing the overall workforce growth rate of 2.3%. With demand for STEM talent at an all-time high, the partnership addresses this crucial shortage head-on.
By empowering STEM students today, the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club and City Utilities are helping keep the region competitive, innovative, and well-prepared for the future.